In an intersection of well intended laws and unintended consequences, Oregon's Government Ethics Commission has created a debate about what constitutes a real journalist. Once again, we're debating who is a real journalist, and who is not. The result of this determination could have much greater impact than anyone realizes. According to a report in The Oregonian (allegedly a real newspaper),

Citizen journalists are under attack by Chuck Schumer, Lindsey Graham, and other members of the Senate Judiciary Committee. The dynamic duo of progressivism has attached an amendment to Senate Bill 987, which would give the Department of Justice power to determine who qualifies for protection as a journalist under the First Amendment.

With Congress attempting to define journalism again, it seems like a good time to revisit the whole "free press" thing. Understanding why the founders thought a free press was essential ultimately helps us determine whether federal overreach into protected liberties is appropriate.In 1799, James Madison explained:

Earlier this summer, Senator Durbin made news when he introduced the Free Flow of Information Act or 'Shield Law'.  The bill's intention is to protect journalists from disclosing their confidential sources. A lesser known fact is that Senator Graham was a co-sponsor of this bill. Although it's a sad indicator that legislation like this is even being discusssed, the original bill appeared on the surface to be a legitimate attempt to provide protection for a journalist's sources.

Illinois, Illinois, Illinois. What has happened to you? How could the land of Lincoln stray so far from the principles of freedom? Every time we look, the state government is up to something shady. While the graft usually takes place in Chicago, today’s example comes from Bellevue, just outside of St. Louis.

Back in 2010 Aaron Tobey, now known as the "Fourth Amendment Flasher," protested TSA's unconstituional screening procedures. While waiting in the security line at Richmond International Airport, Tobey was referred to the full body (naked image) scanner. He declined the invasive scanner and opted for a pat-down. 

My Dad always told me everything is legal as long as you pay for it. Meaning of course, once you've paid for a permit you're exempt from laws those without a permit are bound to. Over the past few years, there have been numerous incidents of local governments harassing Bible study leaders who dare to host regular Bible studies in their homes.